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The Sleuth Sisters Mysteries #2
3 Sleuths, 2 Dogs, 1 Murder
When Retta’s “gentleman friend” is accused of murder, the Sleuth Sisters take on the case. Winston Darrow is a charmer, but his secrets create trouble that spills onto Retta, Barb, Faye, and even police chief Rory Neuencamp. Someone is out to get Win, someone he claims is the real killer. While Retta admits Win is less trustworthy than her daffy Newfoundland dog, she insists he’s not a murderer.
Mysterious men start popping up wherever the sisters go, each more threatening than the last. What do these men want? As the situation turns more dangerous, the sleuths hide Winston at Rory's cabin, reachable in a Michigan winter only by snowmobile. In the frozen wilderness, Barb and Retta must ignore their differences and work together to stay alive. Back at home, Faye faces a deadly enemy with only her rescue dog and a couple of horses to help.
If the Sleuth Sisters live through this, it will be due to family solidarity, doggie instincts, and loyal friends. But really, who would ask for more?
Mysterious men start popping up wherever the sisters go, each more threatening than the last. What do these men want? As the situation turns more dangerous, the sleuths hide Winston at Rory's cabin, reachable in a Michigan winter only by snowmobile. In the frozen wilderness, Barb and Retta must ignore their differences and work together to stay alive. Back at home, Faye faces a deadly enemy with only her rescue dog and a couple of horses to help.
If the Sleuth Sisters live through this, it will be due to family solidarity, doggie instincts, and loyal friends. But really, who would ask for more?
276 pages, Paperback
First published November 11, 2014
279 people are currently reading
757 people want to read
About the author
Maggie Pill
18 books70 followersMaggie Pill is Peg Herring, but younger and much cooler.
Maggie and her husband love to travel to places they've never seen before, where they often hike and walk all day with a "Let's see where this leads us" approach.
Maggie and her husband love to travel to places they've never seen before, where they often hike and walk all day with a "Let's see where this leads us" approach.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews
July 4, 2017
Two sisters have become private detectives after the kids move out. When their little sister finds out the guy she's been dating is not only married but accused of murdering his wife she joins with her sisters in proving him innocent.
Lots of excitement in a good mystery.
Lots of excitement in a good mystery.
April 11, 2015
I loved this book! I listened to the audiobook, which is done by 3 narrators for the 3 sisters' point of view, and it was so good! I immediately bought the first book in the series (this was my first Maggie Pill), and will buy the next one when it comes out. This is my favorite type of mystery - not too violent or upsetting, but it still draws you right in and gets you interested in all the characters. Then you have to keep up with the series to see what happens to the people involved. I also appreciate that the sisters are a little bit older - not in their twenties.
The writing is excellent and the narration and production were also. Just great!
The writing is excellent and the narration and production were also. Just great!
November 27, 2015
This is one of those “Cozy” mysteries that you either love or hate. Some of these ones, I really haven’t enjoyed through lack of substance, however this one is different. Take that one of the sisters does “Correction exercises” which consists of correcting anonymously the grammar of others (hope this is correct!!) Anyone who can write that into a mystery has my respect!
There is a laugh in most chapters and a decent storyline. Characters are mostly developed, the ones that aren’t get better as the story continues (ie. The chief suspect appears a bit “thin” to start with but then we learn more about his background which is only to be expected given the story line).
A light hearted, enjoyable read
There is a laugh in most chapters and a decent storyline. Characters are mostly developed, the ones that aren’t get better as the story continues (ie. The chief suspect appears a bit “thin” to start with but then we learn more about his background which is only to be expected given the story line).
A light hearted, enjoyable read
September 4, 2020
The story is good but the author seriously needs an editor. I was hoping that the Ms./Mrs. Evans would have changed with the second book but it didn’t.
It is a little difficult to keep the POV with each chapter straight and it feels as if the author doesn’t remember that one sister doesn’t know what happened.
But the story is good.
It is a little difficult to keep the POV with each chapter straight and it feels as if the author doesn’t remember that one sister doesn’t know what happened.
But the story is good.
October 29, 2023
I am enjoying this series so much. It has the right amount of mystery mixed with the personality of the three sisters and I love the point of view from each. It’s fast to read, no one is too suspicious, I love when the mystery is solved by multiple folks together, good romance from Barb but woman lock that man down he sounds like a dream, Faye is such a middle child, and Retta is so the youngest.
September 4, 2024
This is such a fun series! An entertaining, easy read with delightful characters and an interesting plot.
July 27, 2015
This is the second book in a series called "The Sleuth Sisters Mysteries". This is a fun series about three sisters of mature age which joint hands to defend the innocents and fight crime. This book is full of adventure, great plots and intelligent solutioning. I love how the sisters interact... they complete one and another. This is a light reading; perfect for the beach or a road trip. I recommend you read the first book before starting this one so you can get to know the characters.
May 3, 2018
I loved this book as much as I loved The Sleuth Sisters. The book is well written, flows easily, and is fast-paced. I like the fact that the sisters are middle-aged instead of drop dead gorgeous twenty-somethings. Each sister is a fully developed character with nuances and quirks. Supporting characters are well developed, too. The sisters have realistic relationships--they can drive each other crazy but love always triumphs. I can't wait to read the next book in the series.
May 30, 2015
Confused,yes I am
3 sisters, alternating chapters written in the first person. I never straightened them out. Good, but could have been better.
3 sisters, alternating chapters written in the first person. I never straightened them out. Good, but could have been better.
May 13, 2023
One of the things I liked about this series is that the women are brave and capable and smart. I hate cozies where the heroine is as dumb as a box of rocks and still manages to outsmart the police and solve the crime. In this book Barb (who is in charge of the detective agency) reluctantly takes on a murder investigation of her sister's boyfriend. She doesn't want to get involved because (a) he probably did it and (b) she doesn't want to get involved in Retta's life because Retta will butt into the business and take it over with her forceful ideas. But she does anyway, and the sisters find themselves involved with some pretty nefarious villains, and everybody's life is in danger.
I liked the story and the relationship between the three sisters (I have two sisters myself and can relate to the relationships here, even though we don't own a detective agency). The story was well plotted out and humorous as well as suspenseful.
I took off one star because Barb is a grammar nerd/super hero who sneaks out at night and corrects spelling and punctuation on public signs. As a fellow grammar nerd who is annoyed by bad grammar and punctuation, I thought this was funny in the first novel. She didn't do much of that in this novel--it was just referenced a time or two--but the book itself has a number of errors that should have been caught and corrected, so it strikes me as vain and hypocritical to have this even be a part of the plot.
Nevertheless, it's a good story and I recommend it.
I liked the story and the relationship between the three sisters (I have two sisters myself and can relate to the relationships here, even though we don't own a detective agency). The story was well plotted out and humorous as well as suspenseful.
I took off one star because Barb is a grammar nerd/super hero who sneaks out at night and corrects spelling and punctuation on public signs. As a fellow grammar nerd who is annoyed by bad grammar and punctuation, I thought this was funny in the first novel. She didn't do much of that in this novel--it was just referenced a time or two--but the book itself has a number of errors that should have been caught and corrected, so it strikes me as vain and hypocritical to have this even be a part of the plot.
Nevertheless, it's a good story and I recommend it.
June 3, 2022
Retta has been spending time with the charming Winston Darrow. When he is arrested after the murder of his wife he employs the Sleuth Sisters (Barb and Faye, with Retta scheming for a place in the office) to clear his name.
They soon find out that neither Winston nor his wife are who the claimed to be. It all leads to an exciting climax in an off the grid snowbound cabin.
Each chapter is written from the point of view of one of the sisters and sometimes it just manages to confuse.
I felt the murder/mystery was much better handled in this the second in the series. Also, the sisters begin to reveal their depths. And, while many novels dealing with middle-aged women tend to emphasise the aches and pains associated with growing old, all three sisters are getting on nicely with their lives.
The story associated with Faye and her disabled husband, while not central to the book, struck me as being particularly true to life.
Retta, the youngest of the sisters, continues to believe that Mr. Right is just around the corner.
And grammar obsessed Barb has Rory ready to fill a void she doesn't realise she has - maybe a dog would help!
"3 Sleuths, 2 Dogs, 1 Murder" is a fast and very enjoyable read.
3.5 Stars raised to 4 Stars.
They soon find out that neither Winston nor his wife are who the claimed to be. It all leads to an exciting climax in an off the grid snowbound cabin.
Each chapter is written from the point of view of one of the sisters and sometimes it just manages to confuse.
I felt the murder/mystery was much better handled in this the second in the series. Also, the sisters begin to reveal their depths. And, while many novels dealing with middle-aged women tend to emphasise the aches and pains associated with growing old, all three sisters are getting on nicely with their lives.
The story associated with Faye and her disabled husband, while not central to the book, struck me as being particularly true to life.
Retta, the youngest of the sisters, continues to believe that Mr. Right is just around the corner.
And grammar obsessed Barb has Rory ready to fill a void she doesn't realise she has - maybe a dog would help!
"3 Sleuths, 2 Dogs, 1 Murder" is a fast and very enjoyable read.
3.5 Stars raised to 4 Stars.
April 22, 2023
This is the second book in this entertaining series of cozy mysteries. While this book can be read independently of the first book The Sleuth Sisters, reading the first book offers a little history of how the 3 middle aged shamuses started their agency.
In this episode, The Sleuth Sisters help piece together a murder mystery that the police have skimmed over in their haste toward a quick arrest and to close the case.
But as the sisters say, “Not so fast.”
They dig down deeper to find a much more complicated plotline. With the help of a few friends in the law enforcement community, they unravel the whole story. We soon find out there is more than one bad guy and that spells trouble for the sisters. Sorting it all out and catching all the bad guys makes it interesting.
Looking for a break from everyday stress? This is a fun story and well worth your time.
In this episode, The Sleuth Sisters help piece together a murder mystery that the police have skimmed over in their haste toward a quick arrest and to close the case.
But as the sisters say, “Not so fast.”
They dig down deeper to find a much more complicated plotline. With the help of a few friends in the law enforcement community, they unravel the whole story. We soon find out there is more than one bad guy and that spells trouble for the sisters. Sorting it all out and catching all the bad guys makes it interesting.
Looking for a break from everyday stress? This is a fun story and well worth your time.
January 28, 2019
Three sisters become sleuths and open a detective agency to solve crimes. Little did they know this one in particular was going to be so dangerous for them. They end up hiding a friend who they believe is innocent of murder and take him to a far away cabin. Lots of mystery, suspense, danger and lots of details to tell while trying to protect a man from some dangerous criminals. I think in the end there was a decision to hire more help to protect each other from such peril again. Friends involved do become important and some romance did blossom with two of the characters.
November 14, 2019
Snowmobiles and horses
Suspense and fun, romance and reality describes sleuth sisters Barb, Faye and Retta. I enjoyed the characters the sisters deal with and the story that brings smiles and fear with each page. Rory is a strong romantic lead and maybe Lars will decide the cold of Michigan is better than the heat of Taos, NM (Retta seems to hope so, at least today!). Each sister is revealed a little at a time, with the pains and scars they've survived making them stronger yet more appealing. I enjoyed this second in the series as much as I did the first!
Suspense and fun, romance and reality describes sleuth sisters Barb, Faye and Retta. I enjoyed the characters the sisters deal with and the story that brings smiles and fear with each page. Rory is a strong romantic lead and maybe Lars will decide the cold of Michigan is better than the heat of Taos, NM (Retta seems to hope so, at least today!). Each sister is revealed a little at a time, with the pains and scars they've survived making them stronger yet more appealing. I enjoyed this second in the series as much as I did the first!
March 14, 2024
Good Plot
I have enjoyed the first two Sleuth Sisters books. They are quick reads with enough plot twists to keep the reader interested. I also like the interaction among the three sisters.
My only complaint is the errors in the book. One of the sisters is a spelling and grammar freak who cannot stand to see public signs with spelling or grammar errors. I found a few in the book. On one page at the end of the book, Faye, one of the sisters, was referred to as Kay.
I have enjoyed the first two Sleuth Sisters books. They are quick reads with enough plot twists to keep the reader interested. I also like the interaction among the three sisters.
My only complaint is the errors in the book. One of the sisters is a spelling and grammar freak who cannot stand to see public signs with spelling or grammar errors. I found a few in the book. On one page at the end of the book, Faye, one of the sisters, was referred to as Kay.
October 26, 2017
Plenty action and excitement in this cozy mystery. Only annoying bit was Barbara having to correct grammar that she spotted on notices. Seemed pointless to the story. Good mystery and the main characters, including the dogs, were really good. The secondary characters added plenty to the story as did the weather! A very pleasant read.
August 11, 2018
Just when the sisters think it couldn't get worse, it does. Winston, wimpy coward, drags them into a messy situation that even he isn't fully aware of. Thugs keep coming and it's hard to tell good guys from bad. Add some romance, an injured stray dog and an overly friendly Newfoundlander to the mix and this story keeps you reading.
October 30, 2018
I enjoyed this cozy - particularly liked how the dogs, horses played important role and weren't just "pets". Also really enjoyed how the three sisters, being so totally different did manage to work together to get a job done - the story was well-written, well-plotted and just plain fun to read like a cozy should be!
February 13, 2020
I couldn't put this book down! I read over 150 books every year and this series is surpassing anything I have read in quite some time. If I could give it 6 stars I would, because not only does this author write a great mystery with building suspense and plenty of action--she does it without using nasty language (I knew it could be done).
September 12, 2020
I enjoyed the way this book was narrated. As the action progressed, each sister took turns telling the story from her own point of view. It helped me, as the reader, follow the story more easily.
This was a fun book, with an interesting plot, a partially wilderness setting, and great characters.
This was a fun book, with an interesting plot, a partially wilderness setting, and great characters.
April 19, 2025
Good plot, poor execution. This cozy mystery is told from the point of view of 3 sisters; Barb, Retta, and Faye who is sometimes called Kay by the author. A few times that plot device proves a weakness as when one sister knows something that a different sister just learned without the information being conveyed yet. Maybe self editing the story wasn't the best way to handle it.
May 17, 2017
A charming book not only about murder but about the relationship between sister, something close to my heart. Pill has written a few twists and turns in the plot that kept me awake and reading. A good book.
May 1, 2018
Wonderful!
I couldn't put it down. There is one grammatical error. "Are the book still there?" It should say, " Are the books still there? " otherwise, it was very well-written. I loved it.
I couldn't put it down. There is one grammatical error. "Are the book still there?" It should say, " Are the books still there? " otherwise, it was very well-written. I loved it.
December 1, 2018
Golden girls...
I love the sleuths sisters. Three retired sisters, each with a different life story, start a PI agency.
Each sister is well defined. The plot and characters are well thought out. I haven't read the first book in the series, so I am off to find it. TA TA
I love the sleuths sisters. Three retired sisters, each with a different life story, start a PI agency.
Each sister is well defined. The plot and characters are well thought out. I haven't read the first book in the series, so I am off to find it. TA TA
December 29, 2021
I really enjoyed 3 Sleuths, 2 Dogs and 1 Murder!
It had a steady pace to keep your readers interest. I always enjoy murder mysteries. I believe I would enjoy reading more books by Maggie Pill. Keep up the good work.
Pamala K Mosher
pmjm1966@gmail.com👍👍👍
It had a steady pace to keep your readers interest. I always enjoy murder mysteries. I believe I would enjoy reading more books by Maggie Pill. Keep up the good work.
Pamala K Mosher
pmjm1966@gmail.com👍👍👍
March 24, 2022
What A Hoot!
Those of you who have siblings will understand the humor In this well written mystery. Adventure and mystery in this whodunit will keep you turning pages. I am off to read more by Maggie Pill.
Those of you who have siblings will understand the humor In this well written mystery. Adventure and mystery in this whodunit will keep you turning pages. I am off to read more by Maggie Pill.
December 27, 2025
you won’t regret this book
The author delivered! The characters remain true to themselves while the author continues to grow them. Intriguing story. Interesting characters. Believable dialogue. If you have sisters you can relate to these women. Looking forward to book three.
The author delivered! The characters remain true to themselves while the author continues to grow them. Intriguing story. Interesting characters. Believable dialogue. If you have sisters you can relate to these women. Looking forward to book three.
May 14, 2017
Book two in the series & I'm still enjoying this author.
Not too complicated but plausible & interesting. Hoping the characters keep growing & don't settle too much into their personality traits.
Not too complicated but plausible & interesting. Hoping the characters keep growing & don't settle too much into their personality traits.
July 3, 2017
A very interesting story. The dogs help out when needed. Read for What's in a Name Challenge.
July 13, 2017
I like the sisters... especially Barb. the POVs are marked clearly and kept straight, so it works pretty well.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 121 reviews